---
title: "Do you have to pay customs on clothes from China?"
url: https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/faq/do-you-have-to-pay-customs-on-clothes-from-china/
date: 2025-08-06
modified: 2025-08-06
author: "HAIYUAN Workwear Manufacturer"
description: "Yes, you generally have to pay customs duties and taxes on clothes imported from China to Indonesia, but the final amount depends on several factors. Here’s a clear breakdown: 1...."
categories:
  - "FAQ"
image: https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/wp-content/uploads/pay-customs-on-clothes-from-China.jpg
word_count: 316
---

# Do you have to pay customs on clothes from China?

**Yes, you generally have to pay customs duties and taxes on clothes imported from China to Indonesia**, but the final amount depends on several factors. Here’s a clear breakdown:

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### 1. Mandatory Costs for Clothing Imports:

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**Import Duty**:

**5–20%** of the CIF value (varies by HS code).

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*Example*: Cotton work shirts (HS 6205) typically incur **10–15%** duty.

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**Value-Added Tax (VAT)**: **11%** of (CIF value + Import Duty).

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**Income Tax (PPh 22)**: **2.5%** (with importer license) or **7.5%** (without) of CIF value.

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### 2. When Duties Might Be Reduced/Exempt:

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**ACFTA Preference**:

With a **Form E Certificate of Origin**, duties can drop to **0–5%** (e.g., cotton T-shirts may qualify for **0%**).

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**Temporary Exemptions**:

Certain industrial workwear (e.g., PPE for manufacturing) may qualify for duty exemptions under specific government programs.

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**Sample Shipments**:

Commercial samples (low-value, non-saleable) may be duty-free.

![](https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/wp-content/uploads/pay-customs-on-clothes-from-China.jpg)pay customs on clothes from china

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### 3. "De Minimis" Rule?

Indonesia **does not** have a de minimis threshold for duty-free imports (unlike the US/EU). Even small parcels (e.g., DHL/FedEx) incur full duties/taxes unless explicitly exempt.

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### 4. Critical Compliance Notes:

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**HS Code Accuracy**: Misclassifying clothing (e.g., calling "synthetic work jackets" HS 6211 instead of 6201) risks penalties + higher duties.

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**SNI Standards**: Safety workwear (e.g., flame-resistant clothing) requires mandatory **SNI certification** – non-compliant goods may be seized.

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**Labeling**: Tags must include **Indonesian text**, importer details, and fabric composition.

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### Cost Example:

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**Shipment Value**: $5,000 (CIF)

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**Import Duty**: 10% = **$500**

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**VAT**: 11% × ($5,000 + $500) = **$605**

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**PPh 22**: 2.5% × $5,000 = **$125**
✅ **Total Fees**: $500 + $605 + $125 = **$1,230** (24.6% of CIF value).

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### Key Takeaway:

> **All commercial clothing imports from China incur duties/taxes in Indonesia**, but costs can be minimized by:
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> Using **ACFTA Form E** for tariff reductions.
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> Ensuring precise **HS code classification** (check via [Indonesian Customs BTKI](https://www.beacukai.go.id/btki.html)).
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> Partnering with a **licensed customs broker (PPJK)** to handle clearance.
For personal shipments (e.g., online shopping), taxes/duties still apply – no exemptions for low-value goods. Always declare accurately!

**Recommended reading:**

- [How much is the import duty in Indonesia?](https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/faq/how-much-is-the-import-duty-in-indonesia/)
- [Guide to Importing Work Clothes from China to Indonesia](https://haiyuanworkclothes.com/blog/guide-to-importing-work-clothes-from-china-to-indonesia/)